Although the single narrow lane leading to the place may not be what one expects, it is a good reminder not to judge a book by its cover – NZ Coffee Co is located in the backyard of co-owner Muhammad Nabil Mohamad Nazri’s house.
The cafe was designed by 22-year-old Nabil and co-founder Amir Ali Mohd Azeem, also 22. They even handmade the rustic counter and menu boards themselves.
Arriving at NZ Coffee Co, you will be greeted by the delightful aroma of coffee and the tantalising sight of a well-stocked dessert counter. You wouldn’t be blamed for wondering which of the scrumptious sweets to order before you even sit!
The iced latte is a perfect thirst quencher, especially on a hot day. For those who prefer something sweeter, the iced caramel latte hits all the right spots.
The coffee, made from dark roast arabica beans, has a pleasant nutty flavour and blends nicely with the caramel flavouring.
The FMT team also had the opportunity to try the coffee strawberry au lait, an upcoming item on the menu.
The beverage is an interesting mix of coffee and strawberry, with the fruity flavouring adding a refreshing touch. Topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and chocolate powder, this is a must-try for coffee and non-coffee lovers alike.
Other beverages include classics such as americano, latte and cappuccino. There are also non-coffee drinks such as hazelnut chocolate and caramel milk.
No visit to NZ Coffee Co would be complete without trying the delectable desserts.
The mango cheesecake comes with a generous serving of fresh mangoes coupled with a light yet rich cheese filling. Be warned that you might just find yourself finishing the entire slice without realising it!
The raspberry malt cake is another delight. It is not too dense, which certainly helps one feel less guilty about consuming such a tasty treat.
If you’re looking for something to share, the Japanese cream puffs are the perfect choice. The puffs, which come in a trio, are crispy, while the layer of craquelin on the tops adds a nice crunch.
These perfect puffs come with a generous cream filling, so you’ll just have to forego your diet plans to enjoy them.
For something savoury, the cafe also serves butter chicken rice, salted egg chicken rice, cheesy fries, and tuna sandwiches.
‘More economical’
For Nabil and Amir, it was their mutual love for coffee that led them to start the cafe.
“We used to spend a lot of money buying coffee from coffee shops. One day, we decided it would be more economical to buy a coffee machine and make our own instead,” Nabil tells FMT.
Coupled with Amir’s experience as a barista at a popular coffee franchise, opening their own cafe was a no-brainer.
“We started serving coffee to our families and friends. One thing led to another, and we started the business in July. We have since received good response from our customers,” Nabil adds.
Their customers initially came from surrounding areas, but they now enjoy visitors from as far as Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam. Customers can walk in anytime, though Nabil recommends making reservations to secure a table on weekends.
“At night, our customers like to simply hang out, enjoy hot drinks, and even play music on the acoustic guitar we provide,” he says.
The duo are blessed to have support from family and friends, who help with customer service. In fact, Nabil’s aunt, Haryati Sahi, bakes all the desserts!
Asked about their future plans, Nabil says they wouldn’t rule out the possibility of expanding in another four to five years. But they prefer to focus on their existing outlet at the moment.
“Looking back, I believe the movement control was an opportunity rather than a hindrance,” Nabil reflects.
Indeed, the future looks bright for this enterprising pair as they take it one day, and one cup of coffee, at a time.
Visit NZ Coffee Co for your coffee hit, or have it delivered to your doorstep. Visit its website and Instagram profile for further information.
NZ Coffee Co
668A, Jalan Tanjung 3,
Kampung Tanjung,
48000 Rawang, Selangor
Business hours:
Tuesdays to Thursdays, 12pm-10pm
Fridays, 12pm-11pm
Saturdays, 11am-11pm
Sundays, 11am-10pm